Support growing for skills and arts centre
A COUNCIL says support is growing for its attempt to create a skills and arts centre which it hopes will breathe new life into a town centre.
North West Leicestershire District Council has made a bid for £9 million for the new centre, known as the Lyceum, to be built in Coalville in partnership with the company which owns the town’s Belvoir Shopping Centre and Stephenson College.
The council is seeking the cash from the government’s Levelling Up Fund, which was set up to provide investment for struggling town centres.
The Lyceum, which would be inside the shopping centre, would provide educational facilities, an events space for concerts, films, exhibitions and conferences, health and wellbeing classes and a café.
There would also be a new outdoor community space and performance area.
The aim is to bring more people into the town and provide a boost to the local economy.
The council says it has received a very positive response from the community, including 45 companies, charities and community groups.
North West Leicestershire MP
Andrew Bridgen has also voiced his support.
Head of community development at the charity Enrych, Bev Cowley, said: “Many of our employees live locally and spend time supporting adults with disabilities in this area.
“It’s important to us as a charity to ensure that the town which is central to our business develops to suit the needs of our diverse community.”
Guy Higgins, managing director of William Davis Homes, said: “We are strongly committed to creating local employment opportunities and, with a successful apprenticeship scheme, we especially welcome the new educational and training facilities which the Lyceum would provide.”
However, some local residents have taken to Facebook to criticise the scheme.
They say it is not what the community truly needs.
One said: “An arts centre in Coalville? Are you having a laugh? Let’s get some decent shops, a cinema would be nice.”
A second added: “This is all good and well, but what about bringing some much-needed life back into Coalville?
“There’s absolutely nothing for the younger generation to do (unless you count the leisure centre). What about a cinema and bowling alley? Surely that would bring in more money for the town?
“So many families travel outside of Coalville for this sort of entertainment.
“If we had something local then we’d be more inclined to spend our money locally.”
Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said of the bid: “It’s very encouraging but not at all surprising to receive such clear support for Coalville.
“The town is in urgent need of investment and has been a priority for us for some time now and we’re starting to see many of our plans emerge.
“If we are successful in this bid for funding, the introduction of a dedicated space for skills and arts would be absolutely fantastic for the town.
“I encourage everybody interested in supporting a vibrant new heart to Coalville to write to the Secretary of State and pledge their support.”
Local businesses and residents can support the bid by writing to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick MP, at 2 Marsham Street, London SW1P 4DF
or by emailing:
Are you having a laugh? Let’s get some decent shops, a cinema would be nice
The government is due to make a decision on the bid towards the end of the year.
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